Ben Player airlifted to hospital from Rileys with internal bleeding and ruptured spleen

Shocking news is coming in today that 3 times Bodyboard World Champion Ben Player has been airlifted to hospital with internal bleeding and a ruptured spleen following an accident in Ireland. Ben had been enjoying the delights of Rileys with fellow Aussie Jamie Mitchell, when the accident happened and he had to be rescued by the Irish Coastguard.

Jamie Mitchell broke the news through his Instagram page and included dramatic footage of the helicopter hovering above Ben as the medics attended to him on a rock slab. Jamie reports, “Never a dull moment here in Ireland! Last day of my trip and fellow Aussie Ben Player who is 3 x World Bodyboard Champ had to be airlifted out to intensive care with a ruptured spleen and internal bleeding! Amazing job by the Irish Coast Guard for a quick response! Get well soon mate.”

Rileys is a hard breaking left hander that crashes over an unforgiving slab, and is an intimidating place set below the cliffs. Although the circumstances of Ben Players accident remain unclear, we can only wish him well and hope for a speedy recovery and hope we will see him back in the water very soon. See Jamie’s Instagram feed here. Feel free to leave your good wishes for Ben below.